Charity basketball game to benefit Haiti's poor

Published 12:00 am, Thursday, March 30, 2006

THE NEWS-TIMES

They live in rickety shacks made from cardboard, rags and straw. Some are forced to sleep in shifts because there is only one bed for the whole family.

Moved by the stories of hardship and poverty among rural people on the Caribbean island of Haiti, hundreds of private groups in the U.S. and other countries raise money each year to help relieve their misery.

The $500 buildings are made of cement with a metal roof, windows and doors. An additional $200 pays for a porch and an outside toilet.

"It's very exciting," said Newtown social studies teacher
Kirsten Hardy
, one of the organizers. "We've received pictures of some of the houses that have been built with the money. It's rewarding to think we've been able to help in some way, and the kids get a kick out of it."

The foundation, which was established in Haiti in 1982 by a group of private health professionals, launched its Happy House Program in 1995. Financial support comes from individual donations as well as from foundations such as
Rotary International
and Rotary Clubs in the U.S. and Canada.

Newtown High's contribution is channeled through the school's
Interact Club
, a junior arm of Rotary International that requires students to complete a minimum of one domestic project and one overseas program.

"In October, we helped organize a jazz concert fund-raiser for Hurricane Katrina survivors and donated money to AmeriCares," said Hardy.

A team of 30 teachers and administrators and 20 students from both the boys and girls teams will play a one-hour basketball game Friday.

Faculty members also take part as cheerleaders alongside the student cheerleaders and help sell tickets.

"We charge a $5 donation at the door and run a bake sale," said Hardy. "Last year, the gymnasium was packed with students, parents, faculty and alumni. We're hoping to repeat our success this year."

One of this year's players, 18-year-old senior
Carly Curran
, said the fundraiser provides two rewards.

"We're helping with a good cause and having fun at the same time," she said. "I think we sometimes forget there are people in other countries who are living in bad conditions. I'm glad to try to help."